Buying mosque carpet directly from a Turkish factory is simpler than it looks. Here is the whole path from first quote to carpet on your prayer hall floor.
Turkey is one of the world's largest carpet exporters, and Gaziantep is the centre of its machine-woven carpet industry. Mosque committees, contractors and distributors from the Gulf to North America buy directly from Gaziantep factories. This is how the process works from start to finish.
1. Send your measurements and get a quote
Share the total area, a simple floor sketch and a few photos of the hall. The manufacturer prices the project by material, design and area. Our guide on measuring a prayer hall explains what to send. Ask for the quote to state the yarn, weaving density, pile height and what is included.
2. Agree the Incoterms
Incoterms decide who pays for, and carries the risk of, each part of the journey:
- EXW / FCA: you collect from the factory and handle all freight yourself.
- FOB: the manufacturer delivers the goods on board the ship at the Turkish port; you pay sea freight and insurance.
- CIF / CFR: the manufacturer pays sea freight (and insurance under CIF) to your port; you handle import clearance.
- DAP: the manufacturer arranges delivery to your address; you pay import duties and taxes.
If you have never imported before, CIF or DAP keeps most of the logistics on the supplier's side.
3. Approve the design and production
For custom designs, you approve a digital drawing showing the row spacing, mihrab and colours before weaving starts. Stock designs skip this step. Production time depends on the area and the design, and is confirmed with the order.
4. Packing and freight
Carpets travel as rolls wrapped against moisture and dust. Large projects ship in sea containers; nearby destinations in Europe and the Middle East are often served by road freight. Transit time depends on the route: road freight to neighbouring regions takes days, sea freight to distant ports takes weeks.
5. Export documents
A typical shipment travels with:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list with roll numbers, sizes and weights
- Bill of lading (sea) or CMR (road)
- Certificate of origin, which some destinations require for preferential duty rates
6. Customs clearance and duties
Carpets are classified under chapter 57 of the Harmonized System. Duty rates and import VAT depend on your country and any trade agreement with Turkey, so check with a local customs broker before ordering. The broker clears the goods using the documents above.
7. Installation
Once the carpet arrives, the floor is cleaned, underlay is laid if needed, and the rolls are aligned to the qibla and seamed. Some manufacturers send an installation team; others work with local fitters. Our mosque carpet installation guide covers what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order for mosque carpet from Turkey?
It depends on the manufacturer and design. Custom designs usually have a minimum area, while stock designs can be ordered in smaller quantities.
Who pays customs duty?
Under most Incoterms, including FOB, CIF and DAP, the buyer pays import duty and taxes in the destination country. Only DDP makes the seller responsible.
How do I pay a Turkish carpet manufacturer?
A deposit at order and the balance before shipment by bank transfer is common. Terms are agreed with the quote.
See our models and approximate prices on the Turkish mosque carpet page, or contact us for a quote delivered to your country.